Unaffected

Chapter Seven

Ginny sighed loudly. She'd forgotten to pick up the cake she'd ordered from the bakery, so she was in the kitchen, scrambling to make one of her own. Lily wasn't helping things along any, either. She was grabbing handfuls of flour and tossing them about, laughing gaily as she did so.

"Look, Mummy, it's snowing! Wheee!" She turned with her arms in the air, and Ginny couldn't help but laugh at her.

"You are, without a doubt, the silliest child I have ever had the pleasure to meet," she said, winking at Lily. She giggled. Molly bustled into the room and scooped her up.

"Ginny, darling," she panted. "The guests will start arriving shortly. I'm going to go and clean Lily up properly." Ginny wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand, leaving a large white streak of flour in its wake. She nodded.

"Thank you, Mum. When the guests arrive, will you show them out to the patio?" Molly nodded and carried a very wriggly Lily upstairs to the bathroom.

Yesterday had passed in a flurry of planning and preparations. Draco had sent an owl saying that he'd have to cancel his appointment, because Natasha needed him to take her into Muggle London for something. Hermione didn't have appointments on Fridays, and Narcissa didn't, either. Ginny had only had two patients, and then she'd come home to help clean and prepare for the party.

Ron came in, eyed her suspiciously, and went to the fridge. He pulled out a butterbeer and took a long swig, still staring at her. She sighed in frustration as she cracked eggs against the side of the bowl.

"Is there a reason you keep giving me those dodgy looks?" she asked irritably. He blinked; it was unlike Ginny to snap at people like that.

"Is there a reason that you're baking a cake without using magic?" he asked, arching an eyebrow. She paused with her spoon just above the bowl, then let it drop with a clatter on the countertop. When she burst into tears, he moved towards her and wrapped her in his arms.

"Oh, Ron!" she sobbed, angry with herself for ruining his big day. "When I started inviting all of these people over for today, I forgot what day it was." Realization washed over him.

"Harry's birthday," he said quietly. Her sobs racked her tiny frame, and he squeezed her closer. "You know, if this is too much for you, we can tell everyone to sod off when they get here." She laughed softly and shook her head. Ron always knew how to cheer her up.

"Thanks, Ron, but no. I think there would be a great many people who would take offense to that suggestion." She wiped her eyes, and effectively smudged flour beneath them.

"Like who?"

"Like Narcissa and Draco, and Blaise's parents, and Severus." Ron nearly dropped his bottle.

"You invited the Malfoys and Professor Snape?" He gaped at her, and she nodded.

"I have a good reason, I promise," she said, patting his hand. "I invited Narcissa and Severus, and Narcissa asked if she could bring Draco along."

"And you're... okay with this, then?" the concern in his voice touched her.

"Draco and I have had lunch together twice this week." She ignored the thunderstruck look she was getting from him. "He's actually very nice to talk to, and he's been very pleasant. I'd appreciate it if you could be civil to him, Ron. He's really going through a lot, just like his Mum."

"If he says anything nasty to you or Mum, or to Blaise..." his voice trailed off, leaving the unspoken threat hanging in the air. She laughed.

"He won't, I promise. He even said he was interested in seeing Remus again." Ron gave her a skeptical look, but before he could answer, a pretty girl with brown hair waltzed into the kitchen and put her arms around him.

"I was wondering where you were," she said sweetly, kissing him gently. Ginny turned her back to them, feeling as though she was invading a private moment. Ron cleared his throat and she turned back around. "How are you doing today, Ginny?"

"I've been better," she said honestly. Blaise gave her a sympathetic smile.

"Do you need any help with anything?"

"Actually, it'd be wonderful if you could take that tray of scones out to the patio," she said, pointing a flour-covered finger towards a silver platter covered in confections. Blaise smiled and picked it up.

"They smell delicious! What kind of scones are they?"

"Peach with white chocolate." Ron grinned; she knew those were his favorite. She'd made them on many occasions for him and Harry while they stayed up late playing Wizard's chess. Ron followed Blaise out the door, and she was left alone again. She looked at the mess on the counter, and began to cry again. She cradled her face in her hands, wondering why she had forgotten the date this year. She never forgot Harry's birthday. She bit her bottom lip to try and contain her tears, but it only served to bring them back to the surface with a vengeance.

She pulled her wand out of her apron pocket and waved it over the mess, muttering "Evanesco!" The messy flour promptly disappeared, and her shoulders slumped. She pointed the wand tip at herself and muttered "Scourgify!" She could feel the grit of the flour lift off of her, and sighed. She'd already gotten dressed; she knew that if she hadn't, she wouldn't have time to later. Her copper hair was pulled up at the sides and fastened with a set of black and green barrettes that Harry had bought her, and a sundress the color of the summer grass matched the green of the barrettes.

The sundress was something she'd purchased on a whim yesterday when she'd remembered the barrettes. It was by far the most daring thing she'd worn since she'd become a widow, and now she was second-guessing herself. It was too late. She could hear the guests beginning to arrive through the fireplace. She felt uneasy about the spaghetti straps and the plunging neckline that made her painfully aware of the fact that if she bent over, she would be exposing her breasts to everyone at the party. The skirt tickled her thighs as she moved; the hem of it was a good two inches above her knee.

She waved her wand and mixed another cake, then set it baking. She took several deep breaths and picked up a pitcher of iced tea to take to the patio. When she pushed the kitchen door open, she was standing face to face with Severus Snape. He was looking as grim as ever, but she gave him the warmest of smiles.

"I'm so glad you could come," she said. He arched an eyebrow. He knew a schemer when he saw one - not to mention that since she'd been Potter's wife and was Weasley's sister, he knew she had to have picked a thing or two up from them. She pointed towards a screen door. "Everyone is gathering on the patio, if you'd like to step outside." He didn't say anything as he walked past her.

"Well, he looked happy, didn't he?" She turned to see Hermione brushing soot off of Alice's shoulders. Alice ran to Ginny and hugged her leg, squealing with delight, and Ginny laughed. She knelt down to look the excited child in the eyes.

"Lily is waiting for you outside. She has a table all set up just for the two of you to have tea on. I hope you remembered to bring Susan." Alice held up a small doll that looked well loved. One eye was falling off, and the red yarn hair was straggly. Ginny smiled at her and reached for her hand as she stood up.

"Hermione, there's something I need to tell you before the rest of the visitors arrive," she said, pushing the screen door open. She led Alice to a small table, where Lily was already sitting with her favorite doll, Rose. She turned back to Hermione. "Narcissa and Draco Malfoy are both going to be here today as well." Hermione didn't look at all upset, which surprised Ginny.

"That doesn't bother me," she said. Ginny smiled.

"Good, I was worried. I don't want any of Ron's friends to leave when they see him. He's actually been rather pleasant lately." Hermione opened her mouth to say something, but she was cut off.

"Hermione!" a gentle voice called. She turned and smiled as Remus Lupin made his way over to them. He smiled warmly and gave both of the girls tight hugs. He turned and searched the patio until he saw the two children playing at tea together, then turned back to their mothers. "Alice is growing so quickly! She looks exactly like you, you know." Hermione blushed, which Ginny watched with interest.

"How have you been, Remus?" Hermione asked softly. Ginny decided that this would be a good time to excuse herself, and offered a weak apology before going to place the pitcher of iced tea on the refreshment table. She looked around happily; Ron and Blaise were chatting with Blaise's parents. Hermione and Remus were talking. Alice and Lily were playing happily. Fred and her Mum were laughing at something. And there, sitting at a table alone, were Severus Snape and Narcissa Malfoy. Ginny blinked in surprise; when had Narcissa arrived? And where was-

"So tell me," a soft voice drawled in her ear. It sent shivers down her spine, which surprised her. She turned to see Draco at her side, looking at his mother and her conversational partner. "Is that the reason you invited my mother?" The amusement in his voice was obvious, and the color rose in her cheeks before she could stop it.

"Why would you ask me such a thing?" he turned curious eyes to her, then shrugged. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

"My mother wouldn't like it if she knew you were playing Cupid. But then again," he said, eyeing the other partygoers, "It looks like this is a couples party."

"It's no such thing," she laughed.

"Really? There are three couples here, at least. Longbottom and Lupin," he said, gesturing to them. "Zabini and Weasley," he gestured to them. "And my mother and Severus." He pointed, and she pushed his hand down with a suppressed giggle.

"Don't point, it's rude!" He shot her an amused look, and she pulled her hand away from his. "I'm very happy that you were able to come. I missed seeing you yesterday." The moment the words left her lips, she grimaced. It was true; she had missed him yesterday - but she hadn't meant to tell him that. He arched an eyebrow at her, and his amused look faded into something she couldn't identify.

"Natasha had me run her into Muggle London to buy some ridiculous bauble - with my money, of course," he said dryly. She bit her lip. She knew he was unhappy in the relationship, and she wanted to help. She didn't offer couples therapy again, though; she felt that this was not the proper place nor time for such an offer, no matter the good intentions behind it.

"Would you like a drink?" she asked. "Tea, coffee, or perhaps a butterbeer?" He shook his head.

"No, thank you." His eyes scanned the people present, then came to rest on the two little girls playing at tea. He gestured towards them. "Your daughter and Longbottom's?" she nodded.

"They're great friends. Alice and Lily get along famously. They rarely ever fight." She gave them an indulgent smile, and her daughter looked up at her.

"Aren't you going to introduce us?" he asked. She blinked in surprise; she hadn't thought that he'd want to meet her - Harry's - daughter. She nodded and began walking towards the girls. She stopped at their table and knelt down to address them; she always put herself on their level to speak to them. It made them feel important. She couldn't contain her surprise when Draco did the same.

"Alice, Lily, I'd like you to meet a friend of mine. This is Draco Malfoy." He smiled warmly at the girls and held out his hand. Lily put her tiny hand fearlessly in his and gazed at him intensely with her viridian eyes.

"It's nice to meet you, Mister Malfoy," she said politely. He grinned.

"You may call me Draco," he offered. She gave her mother a questioning look, and Ginny nodded slightly. Lily looked relieved.

"I'm Alice," the other girl said, sticking her hand out. If her friend wasn't afraid of the strange man, then she was determined to prove that she wasn't, either. He took her hand in his and forced himself to look serious.

"It's nice to meet you, Alice. What a lovely tea party you both have here." The girls beamed, and Lily's cheeks turned pink as she held out a cookie with her chubby hand. He took it and smiled graciously before standing up. "Thank you, very much." Ginny kissed Lily's forehead before standing and smiling at Draco.

"If I didn't know that my daughter was too young for such things, I'd say that she has a crush on you," she teased. To her surprise, his cheeks turned slightly pink. "Well, if you'll forgive me for rushing out on you, I have to go inside and get the food." She headed back towards the screen door.

"Do you need any help?" he offered. She hesitated, then smiled.

"Help would be lovely."

**

Narcissa watched with interest as her son interacted with the children. He'd never been especially good with little ones, and she wondered why he would voluntarily put himself in a situation to speak with one. Severus followed her gaze and smirked.

"Well, it looks like Ms. Potter has not only played matchmaker for us," his silky voice made her shiver, and she gave him a coquettish look. "But she has inadvertently played matchmaker for herself, as well."

"Draco is engaged to Natasha Krum," she said, her upper lip curling involuntarily. Snape gave her a rare smile.

"And your point is, Narcissa?"

"My point is that I cannot stand that girl, and I hope he has the good sense to see what's right in front of his face."

"You would not object to his dating the Potter widow?"

"Object to it? Severus," she said, giving him a level stare. "I would pay for their wedding without complaint." He chuckled. "There has been a marked difference in Draco this week. He's been more pleasant, more attentive, and more fun to be around, period. Until Natasha rears her ugly head - then he's back to the moody, depressed man he's been for so long."

"You know," he mused quietly. "It would only be fitting if we repaid Potter for her little scheme with one of our own." She watched as her son followed Ginny inside the house, then turned to look at him with interest.

"What exactly did you have in mind?"

**

"Thank you for the help," she said, smiling sweetly at him. He nodded slightly, and watched as she bustled around the kitchen. He'd been attracted to her the moment they'd arrived. She looked so appealing standing there in that slip of a dress, and he'd had to fight to control his shudders. They should outlaw dresses that short, he thought.

"So how is Natasha?" she asked absentmindedly, removing the cake from the oven. She bent over and Draco felt the heat rising in his cheeks; her skirt moved up slightly and exposed creamy thighs. He turned away and looked at the pictures taped to the refrigerator.

"As nasty as ever," he said snidely. She turned surprised eyes to him, wondering at his remark, but didn't say anything. The party was meant to be fun and not one of her therapy sessions; she had to keep reminding herself.

"That's kind of sad to hear," she said honestly, peeling the lid off of a container of frosting. He shrugged nonchalantly and watched as she dipped the knife into the sweet confection, then began spreading it across the warm cake. It kept melting and dripping onto her fingers. Draco was sorely tempted to reach over and lick it off. He shook his head - where in the bloody hell were these thoughts coming from?

"Not really. She's just being herself," he leaned forward on the counter and rested his elbows on it. She stuck her index finger in her mouth and sucked some frosting off, and he jumped up as though he'd been burnt. She didn't seem to notice, and went about finishing her task.

"You could have brought her today, you know," she said, putting the lid back on the container. "No one would have minded. I would have liked to have met her."

"No, you wouldn't, either," he said, shaking his head. She arched an eyebrow at him and handed him a plate full of finger sandwiches. She grabbed one as well, and led him outside.

"Alright," she said, sitting the platter down. "I'll take your word for it, then." A small hand tugged at Draco's pants, and Ginny's mouth dropped open in surprise. He bent to look into the bright emerald eyes that gazed adoringly at him.

"Mister Draco, your Mummy wants to talk to you." He blinked, then smiled. He turned his head to look at his mother, who nodded curtly at him. He chucked the little girl gently under her chin with his index finger before standing and shooting an apologetic glance at Ginny. She watched with growing amazement as he sat down next to his mother, then shook her head and turned back to the task at hand. She waved her wand, and gentle strains of a piano filled the air.

**

"Good afternoon, Professor," he said, nodding at Snape. He was rewarded with a curt nod in return, then turned to his mother. "Was there something you wanted, Mother?"

"I just wanted to make sure that you weren't feeling too... out of sorts," she said delicately, glancing quickly at Snape. "With all of the people here that you don't get on with, I mean." He arched an eyebrow at her.

"I have no qualms with anyone here," he said.

"You don't?" she asked, the surprise evident in her voice. His lips curved into a smile.

"Absolutely not, Mother." He turned and searched the crowd of people for a copper head, and missed the knowing glance that his mother and former teacher exchanged. When his eyes fell on her, he noticed that she was talking to Lupin. He watched interestedly as she threw her head back and laughed, and put her hand affectionately on the man's shoulder. He felt a hot stab of jealousy at her obvious ease with the other man, and then wondered why he should feel that way. He'd never been jealous of anything - or anyone - in his entire life.

"Draco, darling, are you listening?" his mother's voice invaded his thoughts, and he turned his eyes back to her.

"I'm sorry Mother. What were you saying?"

"I was just saying that perhaps you should invited Ms. Potter to dinner at the Manor one night this week," she said innocently. His eyebrows flew up in surprise.

"And why should I do such a thing?"

"To repay her for her kindness in inviting us here today," she said, smiling indulgently at him. "I've already invited Severus out for dinner; perhaps she could attend on the same night?"

"I really don't think that's a good idea, Mother," he said, thinking of Natasha's reaction to another woman in the Manor. His mother seemed to read his thoughts.

"I could arrange for Natasha to be out of the way, I assure you." He narrowed his eyes at her suspiciously.

"What are you on about, Mother?"

"Whatever in the world are you talking about?"

"Why are you pushing so hard to get me to invite her over, and even arranging for Natasha to be gone?"

"I must admit, I've grown very fond of Ms. Potter," she said, seeking the girl out with her own eyes. "She's rather enchanting. Wouldn't you agree, Draco?"

"I suppose," he said cautiously.

"I don't know that she would come to dinner if I asked her - she always seems to think that I'm being put out by being friendly to her. Perhaps if you asked her, though, she might accept more easily."

"You want me to ask her to dinner at the Manor?" he asked, sighing resignedly. She nodded. "Fine. When?"

"Tomorrow night would be lovely. And do tell her that it won't be a formal occasion, so she may dress as she is right now."

"No," he said quickly, shaking his head. "I mean, I'll pass the message on," he said smoothly. She nodded, and he stood. She watched with amusement as he made his way across the yard towards Ginny.

"Do you suppose that he'll be terribly angry with me, after he realizes what I'm doing?" she asked Snape, her eyes twinkling.

"Most likely," he said, arching an eyebrow. "But by that time, hopefully he'll have a wife and several red-headed brats to look after, and he'll forget all about it." She smiled brightly at him and was pleasantly surprised when he smiled back.

**

"It's so good to see you happy," Remus said, smiling warmly at Ginny. "You deserve some happiness in your life. I didn't think I'd see you laughing today, of all days." A shadow clouded Ginny's smiling features, and he was immediately sorry.

"Don't apologize," she said, shaking her head at his opening mouth. "To be perfectly honest, I had totally forgotten that today was... well, that today is that day."

"You forgot?" he asked, mildly surprised. He didn't speak his question, but he wondered what had her so distracted that she'd forgotten about Harry's birthday. Usually she spent the entire day at home alone with Lily, baking Harry a birthday cake and telling stories about his adventures.

"I haven't forgotten Harry, Remus, if that's what you're asking," she said softly, looking down. "That's an impossibility." He leaned forward and kissed her cheek.

"I know it is, sweeting," he said quietly. "I wasn't trying to say you'd forgotten about him. Come now, I didn't mean to upset you as bad as all that." He wiped a tear away from her cheek and gently forced her chin up with his forefinger. "Can you give me a smile, then?"

"Smiling is overrated," she said, laughing through her tears. He grinned and hugged her.

"There's the cynic I know and love."

"You're horrible," she said, smiling at him.

"I've been meaning to ask you since I arrived," he said, looking around to make sure no one was listening. He leaned in closer to her as though he was going to tell her a secret, and she instinctively did the same. "What in the world is Draco Malfoy doing here?"

"Oh!" she said, laughing. She clapped his shoulder gently with her hand. "He's a friend of mine." Remus' eyes widened slightly, and he looked towards the table where Draco sat with his mother and Severus Snape, then back to Ginny.

"He's a friend?"

"Yes. He's taken me to lunch twice this week, and he's been rather... pleasant." Remus studied her face thoughtfully for a moment, wondering if he hadn't just uncovered the distraction he'd been wondering about for the last few minutes.

"Oh, there you are!" Hermione's voice interrupted them. Ginny couldn't help but notice how Remus' cheeks were painted with a faint blush, and was not at all surprised to find Hermione blushing slightly as well.

"Were you looking for me, or for Remus?" Ginny asked, trying to hide the amusement in her voice. How cute. Hermione and Remus are attracted to each other.

"Remus, actually," she said, turning her eyes to him. The pink hue of his cheeks deepened.

"What have I done now?" Hermione laughed.

"Nothing. I was just thinking about the new developments in the Wolfsbane potion, and wondered if you would care to talk some politics with me."

"I'd be honored," he said, shooting a wink at Ginny. He held out his arm and Hermione threaded hers through it. As they began walking away, Ginny laughed softly to herself.

"Well, it looks like I was right after all," Draco's amused voice drawled from behind her. She turned and gave him a dazzling smile.

"I hate to say it, but you're three for three." He smirked triumphantly at her, and she rolled her eyes playfully. "Draco, there's not enough room out here for your ego; you're going to smother everyone." He looked surprised for a moment, then the laughter bubbled up and out, momentarily surprising all of the guests. Neither of them seemed to notice.

"Have you met everyone here?" she asked. Strange feelings washed over her at the sight of a genuinely happy Draco - wouldn't Harry have been surprised to see him laughing? She closed her eyes for a brief moment. She couldn't allow her to think about Harry while there were other people present; it wouldn't do to break down and cry in front of them.

"I've met them all before, at one time or another," he said, his throat suddenly going dry.

"Would you like to be properly introduced to them?" When he hesitated, she smiled. "You can say no if it makes you uncomfortable. I won't force you to mingle." The odd glimmer in her eyes was making him feel as though his stomach had just bottomed out.

"No, I'd love to be introduced properly." Her smile widened.

"Really?" he nodded. "Alright. Are you ready, then?" She touched her slender fingers to his arm, and warmth spread through his skin faster than summer lightning. She dropped her hand, making him feel strangely disappointed, as they headed towards her mother. Molly Weasley looked up with obvious surprise.

"Mother, I believe you remember my friend, Draco Malfoy?" Draco bowed his head slightly and smiled at the woman, making her eyes look as though they might pop out of her head at any moment.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Draco. My name is Molly."

"It's nice to meet you under somewhat lighter circumstances than our last meeting," he said gently. Ginny frowned; what were they talking about? Molly's expression softened, and she gave him a genuine smile.

"I agree. Have you met my son, Fred?" She indicated the tall man beside her. He eyed his sister strangely, then stuck out his hand. Draco shook it, and Fred smiled.

"There's a good chap; not afraid to shake a prankster's hand," he grinned. Ginny arched an eyebrow at him but said nothing. "I'm going to head over to the table and get some tea. Would you like some, Mum?" Molly nodded. Fred turned back to Draco. "Want to walk over there with me?" Draco was surprised at the offer, but nodded. Ginny put a hand on his arm gently to restrain him.

"I'm not so sure that's a good idea," she whispered hurriedly. He was touched by the concern evident on her face. "He's somewhat of a - no, he is a chit. Don't eat or drink anything he gives you." He nodded and followed her brother to the food table.

"You seem somewhat different than I remember you at Hogwarts," Fred said casually, reaching for a paper cup. Draco grabbed one as well, and nodded at him.

"Thanks to your sister," he said. Fred gave him a puzzled look.

"What exactly are your intentions towards my sister?" he asked bluntly. Draco was caught off guard momentarily, then laughed.

"Friendship. That's all, I swear." Fred didn't look convinced. "I have a fiancée."

"If you say so," he said, shrugging. "But if you hurt my sister, I'll be forced to hunt you down and kill you." Draco felt his lips curling into a very amused smirk.

"And what makes you think that your sister would even be interested in me?" he asked, making it clear with the tone of his voice that he did not think such a thing was possible.

"Are you kidding?" he asked incredulously. Draco shook his head. "Do you know what today is?"

"July thirty first?"

"Yeah. It's Harry's birthday," he whispered. Draco's eyes widened in surprise, and he shot a quick glance at Ginny. She was hugging Ron, and not paying any attention to them. "She usually locks herself away all day to be miserable about it."

"She looks fine to me," he said, turning his grey eyes back to Fred.

"That's my point entirely," Fred said, with an air of finality. Not sure he understood what had just transpired, Draco followed the redhead back to Ginny and her mother.

"Draco, I believe you know Ron. Ron, this is my friend Draco," she said, giving her brother a pointed look. Ron nodded, indicating that he'd understood, and offered his hand. Malfoy took it and was pleased to note that Ron wasn't trying to crush his hand.

"Nice to have you here," Ron said quietly. Draco was surprised; he'd never thought that Potter's sidekick would welcome him into their fold.

"Nice to be here," he said. Blaise sauntered up to the group and embraced Draco.

"You cagey old dog," she teased, pulling away from him and wrapping her arms possessively around Ron. "I had no idea you'd be here! How have you been? And how is Natasha?"

"I've been good," he said, purposely avoiding the subject of Natasha. He didn't even want to think about her right now. "So, have you two set a date yet?" Ron turned narrowed eyes at Ginny, who put her hands up in the air defensively.

"I didn't tell, I swear! He guessed!"

"She didn't tell me," he said, confirming her story. Ron relaxed and Blaise laughed.

"It's alright. We haven't set a date yet, although it had better be in the next nine months," she said, giving Ron a pointed look. The comment sank in, and Draco gaped. "Close your mouth, Draco," she teased. "You look like a fish waiting for a hook."

"You're - you-" his voice died, and she laughed. Ron looked extremely proud. Ginny clamped a hand over her mouth to keep from laughing at him.

"Perhaps we'd better make our announcement?" she asked Ron. He nodded, and they moved towards the screen door. Ron tapped his wand to his throat and said, "Sonorous."

"Could I have everyone's attention?" his loud voice quieted everyone down immediately, and he cleared his throat. Blaise smiled adoringly at him, encouraging him to go on. "My sister has been kind enough to loan us her house for this evening for a very special announcement."

Draco turned to look at Ginny, and was surprised to catch her staring at him. She blushed and looked away, focusing on her brother. A strange sensation gripped him, although he couldn't figure out exactly what it was. He turned his eyes back to Ron.

"Blaise and I wanted to let all of our nearest and dearest know that we plan to invite you all to our wedding." A chorus of cheers and applause went up from the guests, but died down when Ron held up his hand. "However, you're not going to be invited into the delivery room." It took mere moments for his words to sink in, but when they did, enthusiastic cheers went up from the crowd. Fred was catcalling, and Remus was whistling as well.

When Draco turned to look at Ginny, he was startled to find that she was gone. He scanned the guests for her, and saw her kneeling down beside Lily and Alice. He watched with fascination as she pointed to Ron and Blaise, then proceeded to tell the children what was going on. When Lily's emerald eyes lit up, he grinned. She took off at breakneck speed and practically jumped on Ron, who picked her up and swung her in the air. Alice followed suit, and soon Ron was smothered by two sets of tiny arms. He watched as Ginny pulled out her wand and cleaned off the girls' table, then set the chairs straight. She bustled about, cleaning and tidying things up. It was only when she went back inside that he realized what she was doing.

She was crying.

He followed her into the house silently and watched as she rested her elbows on the countertop. She'd obviously come in to get the congratulatory cake, because it was sitting next to her elbows. She covered her face with her hands and sobbed openly. Draco's heart twisted painfully inside his chest; her sobs were broken and deep, and he wished he could do something to help.

He hesitated for a moment before stepping forward and touching his hand gently to her shoulder. She looked up in utter surprise, and he was taken aback. Her normally bright, caring eyes were full of pain and grief. She hastily tried wiping the tears away with the backs of her hands, but it did no good. Fresh tears kept falling in their place.

"I'm sorry, Draco," she said, rolling her eyes at herself. "The last thing you needed to see was a weepy female," she forced a laugh, and it was so hollow that it made him wince.

"You're not bothering me a bit," he said, shaking his head. He reached for a napkin and handed it to her. She dabbed at the corners of her eyes with it and sighed. The flow of her tears was slowing, which he took as a good sign.

"Well, thanks for not taking the mickey out of me, at any rate," she said, crumpling up the napkin and tossing it in the wastecan. He grinned. He lifted his arm and wrapped it around her shoulders, giving her a quick squeeze. When he saw her surprised glance, he dropped his arm and cleared his throat.

"Why don't I help you carry this cake out there?" he asked finally. She nodded and smiled.

"Thank you, Draco." He got the distinct impression that she was thanking him for more than the cake, but didn't push the issue. He followed her out through the screen door, carefully balancing the cake on his arms. He sat the cake down on the table she'd indicated, and watched as she hugged her brother and her future sister-in-law.

The cake was cut and passed around, and everyone seemed to be settling into their seats to enjoy it. Ginny was still fussing over the food table, and Draco didn't want to sit alone. He examined the groups of people who were hobnobbing. Blaise, Ron, Fred, Molly, and Blaise's parents were sitting together. Hermione and Remus were sitting together. Severus and his mother were sitting together. He turned and saw the two little girls sitting at their little table, giggling as they ate their cake. Lily looked up and caught him looking at them, and her little cheeks turned pink.

And that was all it took.

Draco was enchanted. He took his cake and moved towards them, kneeling down beside their table. Alice's eyes widened and she giggled, but Lily gave him a serious look. He'd never been the object of such an obviously adoring look before, and it was touching him in ways that he never thought possible.

"May I sit with you lovely ladies?" he asked. Alice giggled again and nodded, then shot a pleading glance at her friend. Lily nodded solemnly, and he sat down on the concrete of the patio.

Narcissa was speechless. Draco had intentionally sought out the company of the two children for the second time that day, and this time without Ginny by his side. He looked happy, too, which surprised her even more. He was laughing with the girls, talking animatedly to them. Their innocent, trusting eyes were focused intently on him, as though they were hanging on every word. When he made a sweeping gesture with his hand, she knew he must be talking about the love of his life - Quidditch.

Ginny finished slicing the cake and putting it on plates, and looked around to make sure everyone had gotten a piece. When her eyes fell on the children's table, her jaw dropped. Draco was sitting with the girls, talking and making animated gestures with his hands. There was a light in his eyes that she'd never seen before, and it was reflecting in the rapt faces of the two children watching him. She felt a hand on her arm and nearly jumped out of her skin.

"Did you ever think you'd see such a thing?" Hermione marveled. Ginny shook her head, not trusting her voice enough to say anything. Emotion swelled up inside of her chest, and she felt tears stinging her eyes. Lily was staring at Draco with the same adoring look that she got whenever she looked at Harry's picture. She covered her mouth with her hand to stifle the sob that was trying to rip through to the surface, and Hermione wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Ginny buried her face in Hermione's shoulder for a moment before excusing herself to go inside to the loo.

Neither Molly nor Narcissa missed anything about the scene that was unfolding before them. Molly sighed; she was sure that as soon as their guests left, Ginny would be in a terrible state. She would probably cry herself hoarse as self-inflicted punishment for forgetting Harry's birthday, and she would totally miss what Molly could already see - Draco.

She watched with growing curiosity as Draco looked up in time to see a very emotional Ginny escape into the house. He stood abruptly, then bent and said something to the girls that made them titter, before turning and practically running into the house behind her.